Warnings Status
Check park aid Warning returns after the ignition key
is turned from off to on
Low brake fluid
Low tire pressure
Tire pressure monitor fault
Tire pressure sensor fault
Trunk ajar
Remove objects near pass seat
Compass error
Lamp outage
Intkey could not program Maximum number of Integrated Keys
exceeded
DRIVER DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the driver’s door is not
completely closed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the passenger side door
is not completely closed.
REAR LEFT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the park brake is
engaged. If the warning stays on after the park brake is off, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
CHECK PARK AID— Displayed when the transmission is in R
(Reverse) and the Reverse Sensing System (Park Aid) is disabled. Refer
toReverse Sensing System (Park Aid)in this section to enable.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
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Driver Controls
78
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs
(for trucks) (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets
wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the engine, transmission, AWD System components or axles are
submerged in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the engine or
transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
2009 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide
USA(fus)
Driving
206
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking 6–speed automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Checking automatic transmission fluid at normal operating
temperature (140°F-158°F [60°C-70°C])
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]) until the engine coolant gauge
indicates normal operating temperature. If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until the coolant gauge indicates
normal operating temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage (approximately
10–15 seconds in each position).
4. Move the gearshift lever to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. The fluid should read
within the hot range on the dipstick
if at normal operating temperature
(140°F-158°F [60°C-70°C]).
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Maintenance and Specifications
276
Checking automatic transmission fluid at cool temperature
(59°F-77°F [15°C-25°C])
If a fluid check is necessary at a low
fluid temperature (59°F-77°F
[15°C-25°C]), perform the check
using the cold range on the dipstick.
However, the fluid must be
re-checked at the proper fluid temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level does not show at all on the
dipstick.
Driving the vehicle with less than
the recommended fluid level may result in transmission failure. An under
fill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage to the transmission.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the normal
operating range may result in
transmission failure. An overfill
condition of transmission fluid may
cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage to
the transmission.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Note:Only one ATF fluid specification has been tested and approved for
use with the automatic 6-speed: Premium Automatic Transmission fluid.
Mercon fluids cannot be used with the automatic 6-speed without
damage or voiding warranty.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 mL) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
2009 MKZ(378)
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USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
277
Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Automatic transmission
fluid7.4 quarts (7.0L)
3
Motorcraft Premium
Automatic Transmission
FluidXT-8-QAW /
WSS-M2C924-A
Rear Differential (AWD)
fluid2.4 pints (1.15L)Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power Transfer Unit
(PTU) fluid (AWD)
4
12 ounces (0.35L)Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Windshield washer fluid 4.75 quarts (4.5L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank (FWD )17.5 gallons
(66.2L)——
Fuel tank (AWD)16.5 gallons
(62.5L)——
1Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set
by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.4The Power Transfer Unit is lubricated for life with synthetic lube. Lubricant levels are not to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required. Replace Power Transfer Unit
lubricant with specified synthetic lubricant anytime the unit is submerged in water.
See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling of the Power Transfer Unit.
2009 MKZ(378)
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Maintenance and Specifications
281
A
Accessory delay ..........................58
AdvanceTrac ..............................192
Air cleaner filter ...............278–279
Air conditioning ....................31, 33
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................126, 135, 138
and child safety seats ............128
description ..............126, 135, 138
disposal ....................................141
driver airbag ............128, 136, 139
indicator light .........134, 137, 140
operation .................128, 136, 139
passenger airbag .....128, 136, 139
side airbag ...............................135
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................203
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................258
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................190–191
Anti-theft system ................96, 100
arming the system ..................100
disarming a triggered
system .....................................101
Audio system (see Radio) .........16
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................199
fluid, adding ............................276
fluid, checking ........................276
fluid, refill capacities ..............280
fluid, specification ..................280
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....23
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........280
B
Battery .......................................256acid, treating emergencies .....256
jumping a disabled battery ....225
maintenance-free ....................256
replacement, specifications ...279
servicing ..................................256
Belt-Minder.............................121
Booster seats .............................154
Brakes ........................................190
anti-lock ...........................190–191
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................191
fluid, checking and adding ....275
fluid, refill capacities ..............280
fluid, specifications .................280
lubricant specifications ..........280
parking ....................................191
shift interlock ..........................198
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................42
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....280
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................218
Child safety seats ......................145
attaching with tether straps ..151
in front seat ............................146
in rear seat ..............................146
LATCH .....................................149
recommendations ...................143
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................154
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............243
instrument panel ....................245
interior .....................................245
plastic parts ............................244
washing ....................................241
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Index
287
waxing .....................................242
wheels ......................................242
wiper blades ............................244
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......31, 33
Clock ............................................55
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................73
Console
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat ...............................105
steering column ........................63
Coolant
checking and adding ..............258
refill capacities ................261, 280
specifications ..........................280
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................60
Cupholder(s) .............................112
Customer Assistance ................210
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................237
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................238
Getting roadside assistance ...210
Getting the service you
need .........................................233
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................239
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................237
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................38Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................276
engine oil .................................252
Driving under special
conditions ..................201, 204, 207
sand .........................................205
snow and ice ...........................208
through water .................206, 209
E
Electronic message center .........70
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................225
Emission control system ..........272
Engine ........................................282
cleaning ...................................243
coolant .....................................258
fail-safe cooling .......................262
idle speed control ...................256
lubrication specifications .......280
refill capacities ........................280
service points ..................250–251
starting after a collision .........212
Engine block heater .................188
Engine oil ..................................252
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................252
checking and adding ..............252
dipstick ....................................252
filter, specifications ........255, 279
recommendations ...................255
refill capacities ........................280
specifications ..........................280
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................188
F
Fail safe cooling ........................262
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USA(fus)
Index
288
tire grades ...............................159
treadwear ........................158, 163
Towing
.......................................183
recreational towing
.................183
trailer towing
..........................183
wrecker
....................................231
Traction control
........................196
Transmission
.............................198
brake-shift interlock (BSI)
....198
fluid, refill capacities
..............280
lubricant specifications
..........280
Trunk
...........................................87
remote release
....................79, 90
Turn signal
..................................41
U
USB port
......................................25V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................283
Vehicle loading ..........................178
Ventilating your vehicle ...........188
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................251
Water, Driving through .............209
Windows ......................................90
opening using remote entry
system .......................................90
power .........................................56
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................52
checking and adding fluid .....251
replacing wiper blades ...........252
Wrecker towing .........................231
2009 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide
USA(fus)
Index
292